OKDHS Recognizes a Special Kind of Foster Parent

OKLAHOMA CAPITOL -- The Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) has issued its 2012 Annual Report, recognizing several Oklahomans who have used the agency’s services and programs to overcome obstacles and find success.

The report, entitled “75 Years of Service for Oklahoma,” featured Tulsa resident Sharon Dean, a foster parent to children with developmental disabilities. For years she worked at OKDHS as a foster care specialist in the Developmental Disabilities Services Division. Following her retirement, she has cared for seven children in the past seven years.

“If it’s really what you want to do, it’s nothing that you can’t handle,” Dean says. “You have to understand that you’re not going to change these children’s intellect or abilities, you’re going to have to change yourself if you’re going to do this. I have to say, okay, this is what I’m going to have to do to make this work.”

Dean says when she retired she wanted to do things young people do, like horseback riding, swimming and going to the movies. “Young people keep you on your feet,” she says.

“I want the kids to know this. They can always come here and put their head down and rest.  They can always eat.  They can always have a good time. They can call me if they need me, and if I can do it, I will,” Dean says.

Through the 2012 Annual Report, see how Oklahomans were served by the OKDHS. After 75 years of service, the agency’s mission continues as it strives to help Oklahoma families lead safer, healthier, and more productive lives.

A video documentary introduces a few of those Oklahomans and tells how OKDHS is serving greater numbers of families and individuals than ever before. To learn more about these clients, please visit OKDHS’ Annual Report online at http://oucpm.org/okdhsannualreport/

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Tulsa resident Sharon Dean has fostered seven children with developmental disabilities in the past seven years